Risk factors include living in parts of Africa where the disease is found and being bitten by tsetse flies. The disease does not occur in the United States, but travelers who have visited or lived in Africa can be infected.

Nodule

Exams and Tests

Diagnosis is often based on a physical examination and detailed information about the symptoms. If the health care provider suspects sleeping sickness, you'll be asked about recent travel. Blood tests will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

Cardiac failure

T b gambiense infection causes sleeping sickness disease and gets worse quickly, often over a few weeks. The disease needs to be treated immediately.

Possible Complications

Complications include:

Injury related to falling asleep while driving or during other activities

Gradual damage to the nervous system

Uncontrollable sleep as the disease gets worse

Coma

When to Contact a Medical Professional

See your provider right away if you have symptoms, especially if you've traveled to places where the disease is common. It is important to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Prevention

Pentamidine injections protect against T b gambiense, but not against T b rhodesiense. Because this medicine is toxic, using it for prevention is not recommended. T b rhodesiense is treated with suranim.

Insect control measures can help prevent the spread of sleeping sickness in high-risk areas.